Moved back from the US - cannot get Insurance

backpat

Myself and my wife have moved back from the US to Ireland and we cannot get car insurance to cover both of us.

I have a full UK and US license and 5 years No Claims Bonus from the US. My wife has a full US license and 3 years NCB from the US.

One insurer - Liberty - will insure me for EUR1600. I cannot add my wife to the policy unless she has a full Irish license. We are in a position where she cannot use the car - with 3 kids this is a major issue. We have tried all the major insurers and tried Clements International who wont insure a citizen in their own country.

The issue seems to be the lack of Irish license and 1 year driving experience. Any US driving experience or US NCB are not considered My wife now has her provisional but it will be another month - if we're lucky - before she gets the full license.

Has anyone else had this issue when moving back from abroad? There doesn't seem to be an insurance product set up for people coming back home.

Any suggestions appreciated.

johnnyskeleton

Could you use a car rental company for a few months until you get your irish licences?

backpat

I could - but trying to avoid the ~EUR 3k in expense - would rather pay an expensive premium while we organise the full license.

Macker2001

Did you try First Ireland? They may have a company that can add your wife with her Irish learner permit. Also when taking the EDT lessons some carriers give a discount equivalent to one year ncb after 10 which helps the premium.

backpat

Thanks Macker2001 - will check them out. Appreciate it.

ted1

Try a broker

Del2005

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

Could you use a car rental company for a few months until you get your irish licences?

Rental won't happen with a learners permit and since they have moved back to Ireland then the US licence isn't valid, it's only allowed for temporary moves of less than 12 months.

backpat

Tried the usual brookers - chill.ie etc. If you can recommend a good independent one would appreciate it.